The US Navy has issued a request for proposal (RFP) worth up to $870 million for a small unmanned aircraft system to provide a bridge system between current capabilities and the 2014 entrance of the small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS)/tier II entry into service, projected to be 2013.
The RFP, under which the successful candidate will provide deployed, short-range ISR services to the navy, marines and air force for one year, will replace the sole-source, fee-for-service leasing deal, awarded to Boeing/Insitu in 2004 and renewed annually.
The UAS will be required to provide 10 hours of uninterrupted full motion video and operate off an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The UAS must have a heavy fuel engine.
The RFP has been eagerly anticipated by the UAS industry. Respondents have until 6 July to respond. No companies have publically announced a bid, but among the 24 attendees at a relevant navy presentation in 2010 were Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Aurora Flight Sciences and AAI.
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and operating the UAS in operational conditions. Respondents have until the first week of July to submit bids.
Source: Flight Global